Riding down the slopes in Zermatt

Zermatt is known worldwide for being home to some of the best ski areas in the world. The Matterhorn ski paradise, named after the iconic peak towering over the slopes, is the highest ski area in Switzerland and offers over 360km of descents for all levels. The infrastructure is top-notch, the traditional mountain cuisine will make you drool, and the après-ski will entertain you all night long. But what exactly can you expect in terms of Skiing And Snowboarding From Zermatt? Learn more with our guide below. 

Matterhorn Ski Paradise

The Zermatt ski area boasts 200km of pistes across three areas: Sunnegga-Blauherd-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Trockener Steg-Schwarzsee. These sectors are linked and easily reachable from one another. This whole area is also linked to the ski area of Cervinia, in Italy, where one can enjoy 160km of slopes. These two ski areas come together to form the international Matterhorn Ski Paradise, a paradise indeed for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. The lift infrastructure of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise is improved every year, and it is very easy to reach all three of Zermatt’s sectors from the town. Reaching the Italian ski area of Cervinia, however, will take you a bit longer – so it is better to schedule a whole day there in order to make the most of the pistes on the other side of the border. 

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Zermatt – one of the best ski areas in the world

Who is it for?

The Matterhorn Ski Paradise is an incredible ski resort, no matter your previous skiing or snowboarding experience and no matter how eclectic your group is.

Younger skiers and beginners will find easy slopes and beginner’s park scattered all around the area, but will probably find that the Gornergrat-Riffelberg sector offers the most options – such as the Zermatters beginner’s park. The extensive network of more challenging slopes in the area also makes it ideal for families or groups of different technical abilities. To improve faster and join your friend and family on more challenging slopes, you will find many opportunities for classes, whether individual or in group.

For intermediate skiers, the choice of slopes is endless. If it has been a while since you last hit the slopes, you can start with an easy blue descent before hitting one of the many red slopes of the resort. Approximately two thirds of the runs in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise are red and many can be classified ‘dark red’, so you can be certain that you will find a challenge good enough for you. 

Zermatt slopes have something for all age groups and skill levels

Expert skiers will find happiness on the black slopes, of course, but also a bit further out. Indeed, the area offers an incredible network of yellow slopes – off piste runs that are avalanche controlled but are not checked by ski patrollers. If fresh powder slopes are what gets your adrenaline rushing, check out our article on freeriding and heliskiing in Zermatt. If you want to hit fresh snow but don’t have the experience required for powder riding yet, you can take part in the ‘First Track’ event each morning. You will be carving the first tracks on the freshly prepared slopes, without having to slalom between other skiers.

When should I go?

Zermatt – resort and ski lifts

The Matterhorn Ski Paradise is open 365 days a year, offering skiing all year long – even in summer! This makes it difficult to talk about an official opening, but to give you an idea, the year is divided into two seasons. The winter season runs from the end of November to the end of April, with high season being from February onwards. March and April are ideal for heliskiing and ski touring as the crevasses are most likely to be filled. April, the transition month from winter to summer season, also brings the Zermatt Unplugged music festival – a great month to visit if you also want to spend your après-ski dancing! From April onwards, artificial snowmaking takes the relay from natural snow and enables visitors to enjoy the thrills of skiing high in the mountains and the temperatures of summer down in the village – the best of both worlds. The summer runs are renowned globally and you might encounter skiing teams of various nationalities practicing for the next winter season.

Zermatt – skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise

Skiing and snowboarding from Zermatt are a dream come true for all riders, taking you from blue slopes with panoramic views to off-piste runs with thrilling freeriding opportunities. It is the ideal place for families and groups of friends alike, offering options to entertain everyone during and after the skiing day is over. So get everyone ready, pack up, and start riding in the shadow of the Matterhorn!